Cost of Freedom tour opens amid tears, triumph

Sgt. First Class David Walker, who arrived home from a tour in Afghanistan early Wednesday, delivers the keynote address as his mom, Legion Rider Director Kathi Froehlin, looks on. (Harrison Thorp photo)

ROCHESTER - After a rousing musical tribute to American’s armed services to close Wednesday night’s opening ceremony for the Indoor Cost of Freedom Tribute tour, Rochester American Legion Post 7 Commander Robert Talbot pressed the Spaulding High School band for an impromptu encore.

They complied with a beautiful rendition of “Circle of Life,” which may have at first felt odd to the crowd gathered in the Legion Post’s function hall after a solemn tribute to soldiers who died making the ultimate sacrifice.

But it shouldn’t have. Up at the head dais was Legion Rider Director Kathi Froehlin, who had just choked up reading “The Wall,” a stirring tribute to the Vietnam Memorial, a half-sized replica of which was a stone’s throw away. Next to her was her son, Sgt. First Class David Walker, who had just returned home to Rochester earlier in the day after a tour in Afghanistan.

In a speech moments earlier Walker had urged those in attendance to always remember, honor and respect those who had paid the ultimate price. Living by his own credo, Walker named two comrades-in-arms he fought with who didn’t make it off the battlefield.

As a reverent crowd looks on, a Legion member lights a single candle as part of an MIA/POW ceremony.

The circle of life, and those left behind paying tribute to those who died, continues.

Walker not only fought in Afghanistan, but also had two tours in Iraq and one in Kosovo. He’ll soon be on another assignment, this time to West Point.

Wednesday night’s impressive ceremony at the Rochester Post on Eastern Avenue ran the gamut of emotion, from jubilant cheers and a standing ovation for Walker to quiet sobs and tears during an MIA/POW candle lighting and a Rose Ceremony commemorating our fallen heroes.

The ceremony was held to officially open the Legion’s Indoor Cost of Freedom Tribute Tour, which comprises a full complement of memorials and storyboards depicting the sacrifice and courage of our fighting men and women.

It also features copies of our nation’s historic documents and tributes to first responders such as police and firefighters.

Also performing during the ceremony were the Ancient Order of Hibernian Pipes & Drums and Gordon and Brenda Oliver, who played Taps.

As the crowd watches, members of the American Legion Auxiliary, each holding a single rose, stand beside the Vietnam Wall Memorial during a Rose Ceremony on Wednesday night.

There was also a scintillating Drill Exhibition by two members of the Spaulding High School Air Force JROTC.

While the Indoor Cost of Freedom Tour commemorates soldiers who fought and died in all of our country’s wars, it pays special attention to the newest conflict, the War on Terror, and includes memorials to those who died in 9/11 and the Fort Hood massacre.

The tribute’s largest displays are a half-size replica of the Vietnam Memorial Wall and Gold Dog Tags depicting all casualties since Vietnam.

The Indoor Cost of Freedom Tour is open free of charge 24/7 until Sunday at 3 p.m.